Raeln groaned and opened an eye as the sun rose over the mountain peaks, casting the first light over the rocky terrain they had camped in. The high pine trees sheltered him from much of the chill winds, but also kept the sun from warming his fur, which would have been a blessing after weeks of walking through snow that had frozen into his footpads and fur. He shivered uncontrollably, even curled into a tight ball under his single blanket. “Morning, grumpy,” Greth said, walking past with a pair of rabbits hanging from his hand. “I went ahead and found some food while you were napping. Figured if I waited on you, we’d both starve before you woke. Couldn’t find anything bigger than these, but they’ll do for now.” The younger wildling had chatted on and off for much of the journey, though Raeln had found little he cared to comment on. He had allowed Greth the endless babbling and criticisms, as it seemed to help him concentrate on the journey and not the difficult terrain and weather.
